Obishikokaang Resources
Lac Seul Forest
Ke-ondaatiziying Conference
Frenchman’s Head, LSFN
September 17th, 2014
Lac Seul Forest
Over 1 million ha forest, in the boreal region of Canada
The forest is governed by the Ontario Government,
through a comprehensive Forest Management Plan
Overall Goal is to maintain an economic flow of fibre to
area mills while balancing all forest values in a
sustainable manner
2
Obishikokaang Resources Corporation
Management Company representing LSFN
Reports to a Forestry Committee made up of Band
members and representatives of Council
Responsible for forest operations and management,
finance, economic development and capacity building
related to the implementation of the Lac Seul Forest
Management Plan.
Signing of the 5 year
forestry license July 2012
4
Obishikokaang Resources Corporation
Goal of this organization is to work closely with Chief and
Council to maximize economic development opportunities
associated with managing the Lac Seul Forest
Capacity Building
Environmental Compliance
Economic Flow of Fibre to area Mills
Leverage the wood supply from the forest to
establish long term sustainable economic growth for
both the community and the surrounding region.
5
Critical Success Factors
Chief and Council partnered with gck consulting to
provide access to professional foresters and
experience business managers
Established strong communication with the
community of Lac Seul First Nation
Awareness that financial independence provides
access to capacity building, education and training
6
Industry Partnerships
Critical to our early and continued success
Established credibility with local contractors through
a completely transparent approach
Negotiated a unique agreement with Domtar,
providing early financial stability
Signing the license did not provide cash flow
7
Sustainable Forest Management
Truly a complex balancing act, attempting to ensure
wood flows while protecting environmental and social
values associated with the forest
Real trick is maintaining a suitable level of
environmental protection while ensuring access to
traditional uses while ensuring the remoteness of the
forest
8
Young
Stand
Shoreline
Reserve
No Site Disturbance in
Sensitive
Area
Snag Tree
Retention
PRIVILEGED & CONFIDENTIAL
Forest Management
Compliance to the Crown Forest Sustainability Act through
the implementation of the Forest Management Plan is
exhaustive and expensive.
Significant liabilities exist with signing a forestry license
Does not represent a source of revenue, just a cost centre
It does provide the foundation for economic development
through the allocation of forest resources
11
Added Value Facility
Remains the focus of Chief and Council
Continue to meet with and discuss options
with various organizations
Wood supply does not currently provide an
easy access into the market
Interested in discussing options with our
friends in industry and learning what new
initiatives are being evaluated
Capacity Building
Long term goal is to integrate community members
into all aspects of forest management
Currently have a solid team of professionals in place
to help manage Obishikokaang Resources and
integrate and train community members.
10 staff, including 4 full time band members in
addition to numerous seasonal employment
opportunities in forestry
13
Capacity Building
Strong commitment to educating our young people
with respect to forestry and the employment
opportunities related to managing the forest
Summer Student Silviculture program
Outreach program with area schools
Scholarship for local students in forestry or
environmental university and college programs
14
MIIGWECH
15